brakes just gave out while at a light??
08-01-2009, 06:11 PM
#1
2nd Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2009
Location: GA
Posts: 155
brakes just gave out while at a light??
i was stopped at a traffic light on a downhill. then i noticed that the brake pedal just started to go in further even though i didnt apply any more pressure. i just started rolling forward. then i freaked out and didnt know what to do, slammed it in reverse and squealed 4 ft backwards.!!!!!!!!! i looked like an idiot. didnt hit anybody though. does anyone know what the problem is. i have no idead about brakes.
08-01-2009, 06:17 PM
#2
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 280
i was stopped at a traffic light on a downhill. then i noticed that the brake pedal just started to go in further even though i didnt apply any more pressure. i just started rolling forward. then i freaked out and didnt know what to do, slammed it in reverse and squealed 4 ft backwards.!!!!!!!!! i looked like an idiot. didnt hit anybody though. does anyone know what the problem is. i have no idead about brakes.
08-01-2009, 06:53 PM
#4
Moderator
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Hills of California
Posts: 5,208
its a bit late now but the e-brake is located by your left leg under the dash.
probably a shot master cylinder or failed slave cylinder...check the inside face and inside wall of each wheel and tire. do you see any oil on any of them?
Open the hood and check master cylinder on drivers side firewall. any oil leaking from it. It has a round screw cap on it
-Gun
probably a shot master cylinder or failed slave cylinder...check the inside face and inside wall of each wheel and tire. do you see any oil on any of them?
Open the hood and check master cylinder on drivers side firewall. any oil leaking from it. It has a round screw cap on it
-Gun
08-01-2009, 07:45 PM
#7
5th Gear Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 2,990
e-brake = emergency brake, it's connected mechanically to your rear wheels. Your regular brakes are much differnt, all four corners and pressure is applied through the pedal which forces fluid into the brake cylinders which push the pads on either the disc or drum to slow down the car. It's your regular brakes that failed somehow, if you had applied the e-brake you could have stopped with your rear brakes.
08-01-2009, 07:54 PM
#8
5th Gear Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Marquette Mi
Posts: 3,566
If the pedal just sunk to the floor, and there are no puddles under the car from a broken line or hose, it is your master cylinder. They arent terribly expensive, but do take some knowledge to replace.
08-01-2009, 07:56 PM
#9
2nd Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2009
Location: GA
Posts: 155
if i get into the car now and push brakes they are nice and stiff as usual. it was when i was stopped for a minute or so with the car running and brake being applied did it seem to lose "pressure"?
08-01-2009, 08:09 PM
#10
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 280
OH OH!... Point in your story! YOU WERE ON A HILL!... You probably lost pressure because you're low on Fluid! Putting you at an angle made it so it went to one side and was unable to get enough fluid... Perhaps?... Maybe?... Yes?....